Sidewall rail for a truck bed

ABSTRACT

A tie-down rail for a truck bed including spaced apart sidewalls each having a top ledge. The rail comprises a tubular body having a linear portion, an intermediate portion extending from the linear portion, and an angular portion extending from the intermediate portion to form an angle with a longitudinal axis parallel with the linear portion. The linear portion, intermediate portion and angular portion have substantially identical cross-sectional profile. The rail is preferably illuminatable and includes at least one light source to light the interior of the rail. The lighting source preferably includes an illumatable wiring harness having a platform, a bulb receiving portion, and an electrical wire receiving portion. The platform is configured to maintain the wiring harness in an installed position with respect to the rail.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.652,382, filed May 23, 1996, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,024granted on Oct. 27, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to tie-down rails for thesidewall of a truck bed, and more particularly to illuminatable tubulartie-down rails having safety marking capabilities.

2. Description of the Related Art.

Trucks are commonly equipped with various tie-down devices for securingitems being transported in the bed of the truck. One form of tie-downdevice includes a hook mounted in each corner of the bed of the truck towhich ropes, elastic cords, cable or other types of tie-down straps(hereinafter collectively referred to as "tie-downs cords") may beattached to secure the items within the bed of the truck. Alternatively,some truck beds include holes extending through the top ledge of thesidewall of the truck bed for receiving posts which are useful forincreasing the effective height of the sidewalls. Rope, netting orpanels may be attached to the posts to form vertical extensions of thesidewalls of the truck bed for retaining the load.

Yet another form of tie-down device includes tie-down rails, which aremounted along the top ledges of the sidewalls of the bed of the truck.Tie-down rails typically extend the length of the truck bed and providea structure or frame to which tie-down cords may be attached.Accordingly, tie-down cords may be extended from side-to-side across thetop of the truck bed and tied or attached to the tie-down rail to securethe load.

One drawback associated with many of the commercially available tie-downrails is that they are primarily decorative in nature; thus, they arenot designed to withstand the tensile forces to which they are subjectedwhen tie-down cords are stretched tautly across the bed of the truck.

Another drawback associated with many of the commercially availabletie-down rails is that they do not include means for retaining thetie-down cords at desired positions along the length of the rail. Forexample, unless the tie-down rail includes a plurality of spaced apartstanchions or some other retaining means intermediate the ends of therail, the tie-down cords that are wrapped around or attached to the railhave a tendency to creep along the length of the rail during transport,often causing the load to shift or to become unsecured.

Yet another drawback associated with many tie-down rails is that theyare not adaptable to different models of trucks having differentconfigurations. The rail typically includes a plate extending laterallyfrom each end and configured to rest flush against the top ledge of thesidewall of the truckbed. The plate includes a plurality of boresthrough which fasteners are received to attach the rail to the sidewall.The ledges of the sidewalls of many models of trucks include stakepockets or openings for attaching tie-down rails. However, the length ofthe ledge or the spacing between the stake pockets or "standard holes"varies among manufacturers. The standard holes are the apertures formedin the sidewall of the truck bed on the top ledge and extend through totop ledge to be used as receptacles for ropes and other tie downarticles, or even posts associated with campers that mount to the backof pickup truck. The standard holes are positioned at various locationsalong the sidewall of the vehicle usually by the manufacturer. Thenumber of such holes may vary depending upon the make of vehicle. Forinstance, the number and location of the standard holes is known todiffer between comparably sized trucks of differing make. Thus, manyvariations of commercially available tie-down rails must be manufacturedin a variety of lengths and configurations in order to accommodate thedifferent manufacturers or models of trucks having different standardholes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,382, granted to Johnson and incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein, is directed to an elongatedunitary tie-down rail for a truck bed comprising a bottom flange and anupright flange formed at an acute angle. The top portion of the uprightflange terminates in an enlarged elongated rod portion, and a pluralityof longitudinally spaced slots are formed in the upright flangeimmediately below the rod portion to receive tie-down members forsecuring a load within the truck bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,711, granted to Beck and incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein, is directed to a tie-down apparatus havinga composite overlying double track on which a car is slidably carried onthe topmost track and securement fasteners carried in the lowermosttrack secure the double track to a supporting rail or truck bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,031, granted to Geeck, III and incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein is directed to a tie rail devicecomposed of a linear body, one flat portion of which can be fastened tothe top of the truckbed sidewall of a pickup truck or to the top of itstail gate or to the top of the gunwales of a boat. Another portion ofthe device extends outwardly from the vehicle and serves as point(s) ofattachment for the straps or cords.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,724, granted to Dutton and incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein, is directed to a truck box top moldingcomprising slotted tails having outwardly extending flange resting onthe top of the truck box. The rails are fastened to the box by screwsextending through holes in the rails and outwardly into the inside wallof the truck box at the sides and ends. There are longitudinally spacedslots in the rail above the flange.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,736, granted to Dutton and incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein, is directed to a truck box top moldingcomprising rails having an outwardly extending base resting on the topof the truck box. The rails are fastened to the box by screws extendingthrough holes in the rails and outwardly into the inside wall of thetruck box at the sides and ends. An upstanding, longitudinally-extendingflange in an internal cavity in each of the side rails receives thehooked outer end of longitudinally movable anchors having clampingscrews with knurled knobs thereon to clamp the anchors to the rails inany of an infinite number of possible positions longitudinally of therails.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,014, granted to Wicker and incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein, is directed to an articulated rigid coverassembly for truck beds comprising a flexible waterproof canvas coveroverlying a plurality of elongated metal panels hingedly joined to forma cover assembly. The cover assembly is foldably mounted between a pairof guide tracks which are attached to the upper surface of the sidewalls of the truck bed. The tracks are attached to the side walls bybolts which are concealed from the exterior of the closed truck bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,604,013, granted to Elwell et al. and incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein, is directed to a vehicle siderail assembly comprising a tread plate adapted to fit over the upperwall of a pickup truck; tubular, open-ended side rail having a portiondisposed parallel to and spaced above the tread plate with end portionsengaging the tread plate; the bottom wall of the rail splitlongitudinally to form a slot and having an angular seat formed byshoulders in the bottom wall; a plurality of angular and tubular spacersadapted to fit in a nested manner into the shoulder seat at any locationthere along and to engage the tread plate; and carriage bolt fastenersslidingly engaged with the rail by the slot and insertable through thespacers, the tread plate and the side panel wall to fasten the assemblyto the side panel, the fasteners being hidden from view.

Until now, it is believed that a tubular tie-down rail having a flat topsurface, internal structural flanges, safety marking capability,illuminatable capability, the ability to have a universal deviceattachable to a variety of truck bed standard hole configurations, andattachment means for accommodating a variety of truck bedconfigurations, has not been invented.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pair ofelongated tubular rails configured to be secured to the top ledge of thesidewall of a pickup truck and provide illumination to the top ledgemaking the vehicle safer and more visible at night or in dimly litareas.

Each rail has a substantially circular cross-section and preferably hasa flat or planar top exterior surface with a slightly arched opposinginterior surface. The slightly arched interior surface provides enhancedstructural stability and rigidity to the rail. Alternatively, the topsurface may be slightly arched. The rails are preferably constructed ofaluminum; however, they may be constructed of any suitable high strengthmaterial such as metals, plastics, composites and the like. Aluminum ispreferred because of its light weight.

The rail which is configured for mounting on the ledge of the sidewallof a truck bed, includes a body having spaced apart open ends extendingangularly downward along a radius and terminating in ledge-engagingsurfaces. In the preferred embodiment, each end extends downward from acentral portion of the body forming an obtuse angle therewith.Accordingly, the cross-section at the ends of the rail is greater thanthe cross-section of the rail intermediate the ends, but hassubstantially the same appearance if the cutting plane were takenperpendicular to each of the rail body portions (i.e., the linearsection L, the intermediate section I, and the angular section A).

The rail includes a plurality of structural ribs or flanges projectinginto the interior of the rail from an inner surface of the rail. In thepreferred embodiment, a pair of opposing flanges extend a distance frominner side surfaces of the rail in a plane generally parallel to atangent line drawn across the top surface of the rail. The flangespreferably extend longitudinally along the inner surface the entirelength of the rail. The preferred embodiment of the rail also includes arib projecting upwardly from a bottom inner surface of the rail. Similarto the flanges, the rib preferably extends longitudinally along theentire length of the rail. The flanges and ribs provide structuralstability and overall strength which might seem apparent but iscertainly unappreciated by rails found in the art to which the inventionrelates. The present invention uses these structure enhancing featuresto save weight, costly materials, and provide enhanced structuralfeatures to enable the rail to be bent without buckling or denting whichprior to the present invention was believed not to be possible.

The preferred embodiment of the rail also includes a plurality of spacedapart longitudinal slots or openings formed in the side surfaces of therail. A cover, such as an extrusion constructed of vinyl, plastic,rubber or some other suitable material, may be slidably received withinthe rail and positioned along the surface adjacent the slots such thatthe cover is visible from the outside of the rail at the slots. Thecover may comprise one continuous profile configured to seat along theinner surface of the rail between the flanges, or it may be formed oftwo pieces, each piece being configured to extend longitudinally alongthe inner surface of the rail between one of the flanges and the ribextending along the bottom inner surface.

Anchoring means are provided for securing the rail to the ledge of thetruck bed. In the preferred embodiment, the anchoring means comprises abracket having a substantially planar ledge engaging surface and alongitudinal slot formed therein for receiving a fastener. The bracketis configured to be received within the end of the rail and to engagethe inner surface of the rail to prevent movement of the plate withinthe rail. The bracket is inserted into the end of the rail such that theplanar, ledge-engaging surface is positioned to rest on the ledge of thesidewall of the truck bed. The fastener extends through a bore formed inthe top of the rail to engage the slot and the ledge of the truck bed.The slot enables the user to adjust the fastener to a variety ofpositions in order to accommodate truck beds of different lengths orconfigurations.

In the preferred embodiment, the bracket includes a body having channelsformed along side surfaces and configured to cooperatively engage theflanges projecting from the inner surface of the rail. The bracket isconfigured to slide into the end of the rail such that the flanges arereceived within the channels and the planar ledge-engaging surface isflush with the end of the rail.

In an alternate embodiment, the bracket comprises a body that isinserted into the end of the rail and attached thereto by at least onefastener extending through aligned bores in the rail and the body of theplate. In yet another embodiment, the anchoring means comprises abracket configured to seat on the flanges extending from the interiorsurface of the rail. In this embodiment, the bracket comprises acylindrical body having a planar top surface, an angled bottom surface,and a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. A bolt is inserted intothe bore formed in the top of the rail and extends through the boreformed in the bracket to operatively engage the ledge of the truck bed.The bottom surface of the bracket may be knurled or include teeth forbiting the surface of the flanges when the bolt is tightened to retainthe bracket in the desired position.

The rail also includes a clip assembly or clip means to enable a user tosecure a tie-down cord to the rail. The clip assembly preferablycomprises a plate having a first side, a second side, and a plurality ofspaced apart bores. A loop is formed by a length of spring wire havingspaced apart ends extending through spaced apart bores from the firstside of the plate to the second side of the plate. The ends of the wireare retained adjacent the second side of the plate by a clamp or otherequivalent retaining device. The ends of the wire and the clamp arereceived within aligned bores formed in the rail enabling the plate maybe mounted flush against the rail. Alternatively, the clip means maycomprise a plurality of spaced apart eye bolts attached to the rail.

The present invention may, therefore, be summarized in a variety ofways, one of which is the following: a tie-down rail for a truck bedincluding spaced apart sidewalls, the sidewalls each having a top ledge,the tie-down rail comprising an elongated tubular body having asubstantially circular cross-section and a hollow interior, the bodyfurther comprising open ends extending angularly downward and adapted torest on the ledge of the sidewall; anchoring means contained within theends of the rail for securing the rail to the ledge; and at least onefastener received within a bore formed in the top surface of the railfor operatively engaging the anchoring means, the rail and the topledge. The tie-down rail further comprises a planar top surface and atleast one flange projecting into the interior of the rail from an innersurface and a rib projecting into the interior of the body from a bottominner surface of the rail along a centerline of the rail. The at leastone flange further comprises a pair of oppositely disposed flanges. Theflanges are positioned in a plane parallel to the top surface of therail. The tie-down rail may include a plurality of spaced apart slotsformed along at least one side surface of the rail.

The anchoring means comprises a bracket having a top surface, a bottomsurface and a bore extending therethrough for receiving a fastener;wherein the bottom surface of the bracket is configured to operativelyengage the at least one flange. Alternatively, the anchoring meanscomprises a bracket having a ledge-engaging surface and a longitudinalslot configured to receive the at least one fastener; the bracket isconfigured to be received within the end of the rail and to engage theinner surface of the rail; and attachment means for attaching thebracket to the rail.

The attachment means comprises at least one fastener extending throughaligned bores formed in the rail and the bracket. Alternatively, theattachment means comprises at least one channel formed in the bracketconfigured to cooperatively engage the at least one flange along theinner surface of the rail.

The tie-down rail further comprises a cover configured to be receivedwithin the rail and positioned along the inner surface of the railadjacent the plurality of slots such that the cover is viewable throughthe plurality of slots.

The tie-down rail further comprises at least one clip assembly attachedto the rail for securing a tie-down cord to the rail. The clip assemblycomprises a plate having a first side, a second side and a plurality ofholes formed therein; loop means attached to the plate for receiving thetie-down cord; and at least one fastener for attaching the plate to therail.

Yet another way of summarizing the present invention is as follows: atie-down rail for a truck bed having sidewalls, each sidewall having atop ledge, the tie-down rail comprising an elongated tubular body havinga substantially circular cross-section, a substantially hollow interior,and spaced apart open ends that extend angularly downward to engage thetop ledge of the truck bed; flange means projecting into the interior ofthe rail from an inner surface; a bracket configured to be receivedwithin the end of the rail and to cooperatively engage the inner surfaceof the rail, the bracket having a planar ledge-engaging surface and alongitudinal slot configured to receive a fastener; wherein the fasteneris received within a bore in the rail and extends through the slot tooperatively engage the bracket and the ledge; and attachment means forattaching the bracket to the rail. The flange means further comprises apair of oppositely disposed flanges extending from side surfaces of therail. The rail further comprises a rib projecting into the interior ofthe rail from a bottom surface.

The tie-down rail further comprises a plurality of clips for securing atie-down cord to the rail. Each of the plurality of clips comprises aplate having a first side, a second side, a pair of spaced apart boresfor receiving spaced apart ends of a loop, and a plurality of boresconfigured to receive at least one fastener for attaching the plate tothe rail; wherein the ends of the loop extend through the spaced apartbores from the first side of the plate to the second side of the plate;and clamp means for retaining the ends of the loop adjacent the secondside of the plate; wherein the ends of the loop and the clamp means arereceived within at least one opening in the rail when the plate isoperably attached to the rail.

A third way of summarizing the present invention is: a tie-down rail fora truck bed including spaced apart sidewalls, the sidewalls each havinga top ledge, the tie-down rail comprising a tubular body having a flattop portion, a rounded bottom portion, and spaced apart open endsextending angularly downward such that the ends are capable of restingon the ledge; a pair of flanges projecting into the rail from an innersurface; an anchoring device configured to be received within the end ofthe rail and to operatively engage the flanges, the anchoring devicehaving a slot formed therein and a planar ledge-engaging surface; afastener received within a bore formed in the rail and extending throughthe slot to operatively engage the anchoring device and the ledge; and aplurality of clips for receiving a tie-down cord.

Each of the clips comprises a plate having a first side, a second side,and a plurality of bores formed therein; a length of spring wire havingspaced apart ends extending through any of the plurality of bores fromthe first side to the second side of the plate to form a loop; retainingmeans for retaining the ends of the wire adjacent the second side of theplate; cooperating bores formed in the rail for receiving the ends ofthe wire and the retaining means when the plate is operably attached tothe rail; and at least one fastener insertable into at least one of theplurality of bores in the plate for attaching the plate to the rail.

The present invention may, therefore, be summarized in a variety ofways, one of which is the following: a tie-down rail for a truck bedincluding spaced apart sidewalls each having a top ledge, comprising: anelongated tubular body having a substantially linear portion which isparallel to a longitudinal axis, an intermediate portion extending fromand merging with the substantially linear portion, and an angularportion having spaced apart ends wherein one of the spaced apart endsmerges with and extends from the intermediate portion to form an anglewith the longitudinal axis of the linear portion, the linear portion hasa first outer cross-sectional profile, the intermediate portion has asecond outer cross-sectional profile, and the angular portion has athird outer cross-sectional profile, such that the first outercross-sectional profile and second outer cross-sectional profile andthird outer cross-sectional profile are substantially identical; and thesecond outer cross-sectional profile includes an external arcuateportion which merges with a planar portion to form a continuous externalwall.

The preferred embodiment of the tie-down rail further comprises ajuncture between the arcuate portion and the planar portion comprising apair of spaced apart edges. The pair of spaced apart edges preferablycomprise a pair of spaced apart parallel edges.

The preferred embodiment of the tie-down rail may be further summarizedand described to have a configuration such that a line drawn tangent tothe arcuate portion always forms an angle with a plane parallel with theplanar portion.

The preferred embodiment of the tie-down rail further comprises aninside surface of the planar portion and an outside surface of planarregion wherein the inside surface is has a greater width than theoutside surface portion; and, an interior surface of the arcuate portionhaving inwardly projecting opposing flanges extending therefrom. Theinterior surface of the arcuate portion preferably has a reinforcing ribpositioned opposite the inside surface of the planar portion.

The body of the tie-down rail is preferably constructed of metalselected from the group of metal materials consisting of steel,aluminum, steel alloys, and aluminum alloys. At least one lighttransmitting aperture is included in the preferred embodiment of thebody; and, a removable or permanent lens is provided to cover theaperture. The preferred embodiment of the lens is removable such that itis configured to frictionally engage the body of the rail during use,and resembles a safety reflector.

A preferred tie down rail also includes a lighting means forilluminating the interior of the body. The lighting means preferablyfurther comprises socket means for receiving at least one illuminatablebulb and illuminating it; and/or a wiring harness having at least oneelectrical socket configured for receiving an illuminatable bulb, and anilluminatable bulb operably connected to the at least one electricalsocket; wherein the wiring harness supplies electrical energy from asource thereof to the at least one socket for illuminating the bulb. Thepreferred socket means further comprises a wiring harness having aplurality of electrical sockets configured to receive an illuminatablebulb and capable of supplying electrical energy from a source thereof tothe plurality of electrical sockets to illuminate the bulb, and isconfigured for engagement with the interior of the body.

The socket means may be a section of curved spring steel capable offlexing and resiliently springing back to engage the interior of thehollow and secure the wiring harness therein. In addition, the inventionmay also be summarized to include an illuminatable wiring harness meansfor illuminating the interior structure of a tie-down rail of amotorized vehicle, the wiring harness comprising: at least one sockethaving a platform, a bulb receiving portion, and an electrical wirereceiving portion; the platform further comprises a top surface, abottom surface, and at least one flexibly resilient flange extendingfrom the platform wherein the flange is configured to occupy a firstrest position and flex through a range of motion to a second position toengage the interior structure of the tie-down rail during use tomaintain the wiring harness in an installed position. At least one ofthe plurality of electrical sockets can therefore be generally describedas being configured for engagement with the interior of the body.

The present invention may also be summarized as an illuminatabletie-down rail for a motorized vehicle comprising: a substantiallytubular body having a hollow interior portion and a light transmittingwall portion, a light source operably attached to tubular body in such away as to enable light emanating therefrom to pass from the hollowinterior portion of the tubular body through the light transmitting wallportion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail for attachment to the ledge of the sidewall of a truck bed, thetie-down rail comprising a flat top portion and a rounded bottomportion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail for attachment to the ledge of the sidewall of a truck bed, thetie-down rail comprising a linear body portion, an intermediate bodyportion and an angular body portion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail having a uniform substantially circular cross-section wherein thelinear, intermediate and angular portion all have substantially the samecross-section when the cutting plane is positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the rail body portion being cross-sectioned.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail having at least one flange projecting into the interior of the railto enhance the structural integrity of the rail.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail having means for adjustably attaching the rail to the ledge of atruck bed, the attachment means comprising a plate configured to bereceived within the end of the rail and to cooperatively engage theinner surface of the rail.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular tie-downrail having a plurality of clips capable of receiving a tie-down cord.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an illuminatablesafety device in the nature of a sidewall rail for a motorized vehiclesuch as a pickup truck.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an illuminatablesafety device in the nature of a sidewall rail for a motorized vehiclesuch as a pickup truck, wherein the illuminatable component includes awiring harness of several unique configurations to secure at least onelight adjacent the hollow body in order to illuminate it.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubular aluminumrail which is lighter in weight than tubular steel rails yet having thestrength and resistance to bending comparable to or better than steelrails.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a substantiallytubular rail having a planar top exterior surface portion to providedenhanced structural stability and rigidity to the rail particularly whenthe rail is made of a lightweight metal material such as aluminum.

These and other objects, features and advantages shall become apparentafter consideration of the description and drawings set forth herein.All such objects, features and advantages are contemplated to be withinthe scope of the present invention even though not specifically setforth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a pick-up truck inwhich a pair of tie-down rails of the present invention installed on thesidewalls of the truck;

FIG. 2A is a partial side elevational view of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIG. 1 with a cutaway portion;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bracket of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the embodiment of the bracket shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the presentinvention taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 3C and 3D are front and side views respectively of an inventivemandrel tool useful for forming the rail of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the bracket ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4B is a bottom elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is an end elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a top elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a top elevational view of an alternate embodiment of thebracket of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a bottom elevational view of the bracket shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a partial side elevational view of the present invention witha cutaway portion showing the bracket of FIG. 4A operatively positionedtherein;

FIG. 6B is a partial side elevational view of the present invention witha cutaway portion showing the bracket of FIG. 5A operatively positionedtherein;

FIG. 6C is a partially exploded elevational view of an embodiment of therail of the present invention having a lens cover positioned in linewith over an aperture formed therein;

FIG. 6D is a front view of an embodiment of the lens cover of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 6E is a side view of an embodiment of the lens cover of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 6F is a front view of an embodiment of the lens cover of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7A is a top elevational view of the plate of the clip assembly ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 7B is an partial exploded view of the present invention showing anembodiment of the clip assembly;

FIG. 7C is a partial sectional view of the rail of the present inventionshowing the clip assembly attached thereto;

FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of the inventive socket orwiring harness component;

FIG. 8B is a top view of the embodiment of the inventive wiring harnesssocket shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the inventive wiringharness socket shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a left side view of the embodiment of the inventive wiringharness socket shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8E is a right side view of the embodiment of the inventive wiringharness socket shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8F is a representational view of several wiring harness socketsattached electrically in either parallel or series configuration;

FIG. 9A is a partially cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of therail of the present invention as shown with an embodiment of the wiringharness illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8F disposed therein; and

FIG. 9B is a partially cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of therail of the present invention as shown with an alternate embodiment ofthe wiring harness disposed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1, a truck 12 having a bed 14 partially definedby sidewalls 16 and 17, each sidewall 16 and 17 has a top ledge 18, andis shown with an embodiment of the present invention which is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 10. Tie-down rails 10 each comprisean elongated tubular body having a substantially circular cross-section,a substantially hollow interior 20, a linear section "L" which isparallel to a longitudinal axis Z and merges with an intermediatesection "T" which in turn merges with an angular section "A". In thepreferred embodiment, the rail 10 includes a body 19, comprised ofsections or portions L, I and A where L is parallel to a longitudinalaxis Z as just described, has a planar top surface 22 and a roundedbottom 24 and sides 26 and 28 (see FIGS. 2A and 3A). The juncture wherethe planar surface 22 meets the rounded surface 26 and 28 forms an edgeE, and a line T drawn tangent to the rounded surface 26 (or 28) willform an angle with a plane P drawn parallel to the planar surface (seeFIG. 3A). The width of the outside or exterior planar W/OUT is greaterthan the width of the inside planar surface W/IN (see FIG. 2A).

Alternatively, the top surface 22 may be slightly arched (see FIG. 3B).The rail 10 further includes spaced apart open ends 30 and 32 extendingangularly downward from a central portion 21 of the body 19. The ends 30and 32 are adapted to rest on the ledge 18 of the sidewall 16 or 17. Inthe preferred embodiment, each end 30 and 32 extends downward from acentral portion 21 of the body 19 forming an obtuse angle therewith.Accordingly, the cross-sectional area at the ends 30 and 32 of the rail10 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the rail 10 intermediatethe ends 30 and 32. Alternatively, the ends 30 and 32 may extenddownward from the central portion 21 of the body 19, forming a rightangle therewith.

With reference to FIG. 3A and 3B, the rail further includes flange meansprojecting into the interior 20 of the rail 10 from an inner surface 38.In the preferred embodiment, the flange means comprises a pair ofoppositely disposed flanges 34 and 36 projecting into the interior 20 ofthe rail 10 from the sides 26 and 28 and positioned in a plane parallelto the top surface 22. The flange means may further include a rib 40projecting into the interior 20 of the rail 10 from the bottom 24 alonga centerline 42 of the rail 10. The rib 40 and the flanges 34 and 36preferably extend longitudinally from the inner surface 38 along theentire length of the rail 10. However, it is also contemplated that therib 40 and the flanges 34 and 36 project from the inner surface 38 ofthe rail 10 intermittently along its length.

With reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, a mandrel 51 is illustrated. Themandrel 51 corresponds in configuration to the interior dimension andconstruct of the rail 10. Mandrel 51 is used after the tubular rail isextruded and during the bending processes to form the angled portion ofthe rail. The exterior surface of the mandrel 51 corresponds identicallyto the interior of the rail 10 (see the various Figures). Hence, thereference numerals followed by an "X" of FIGS. 3C and 3D correspond tothe rail structure numbered similarly but without the "X" suffix. Whenthe metal material from which the inventive rail is made is extruded andthe mandrel 51 is inserted into the rail, the mandrel may be withdrawnfrom the rail as the rail is bent in order to render a continuous tubingform. Unlike conventional rails and bending the interior flanges 34 and36 as well as rib 40 provides sufficient strength to the rail to preventbuckling at the planar surface region of the rail.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5C, anchoring means are providedfor attaching the rail 10 to the ledge 18 at stake pockets or openings.In the preferred embodiment, the anchoring means comprises a bracket 54configured to be received within the end 30 or 32 of the rail 10 and toengage the inner surface 38 of the rail 10 to prevent movement of thebracket 54 within the rail 10 (FIGS. 4A-4D). The bracket 54 is generallywedge-shaped and includes a body 56 having a top surface 58, a bottom orledge-engaging surface 60 and spaced apart sides 64 and 65. A tongue 62for engaging the inner surface 38 of the rail 10 is formed integrallywith the bottom surface 60 of the bracket 54 and extends therefrom. Alongitudinal slot 70 configured to receive a fastener 48 is formed inthe body 56 along a centerline.

Channels 66 and 68 configured to cooperatively engage flanges 34 and 36are formed in the sides 64 and 65, respectively, of the body 56.Accordingly, the bracket 54 is inserted into the end 30 or 32 of therail 10 such that the channels 66 and 68 slidably engage flanges 34 and36 and the tongue 62 engages the inner surface 38 of the rail 10 (seeFIG. 6A). Alternatively, the bracket 54 may be inserted into the end 30or 32 of the rail 10 and secured therein by a fastener 48, such as abolt or screw 50 having ears E.

The bracket 54 is positioned within the rail 10 such that the bottom 60of the bracket 54 is flush with the end 30 or 32 of the rail 10. Afastener 48, such as a bolt 50, is received within a bore 52 formed inthe top surface 22 of the rail 10 and extends through the slot 70 tooperatively engage at the stake pocket or opening of the ledge 18 forattachment thereto.

In an alternate embodiment, the bracket 72 includes a body 74 having atop 76, a bottom or ledge-engaging surface 78 and sides 82 and 84 (FIGS.5A-5C). A longitudinal slot 90 configured to receive a fastener 48 isformed in the body 74 along a centerline. A tongue or post 80 configuredto engage the inner surface 38 of the rail 10 extends from a front 81 ofthe body 74 to prevent movement of the bracket 72 within the rail 10(see FIG. 6B). The bracket 72 is attached to the rail 10 by at least onefastener 48; however, in the preferred embodiment, the bracket 72 isattached to the rail 10 at both sides. Accordingly, a fastener 48, suchas a screw 50, extends through aligned bores 86 and 87 formed in theside 82 of the bracket 72 and the side 26 of the rail 10, respectively.

As described above, the bracket 72 is received within the rail 10 suchthat the bottom 78 of the bracket 72 is flush with the end 30 or 32 ofthe rail 10. A fastener 48 is received within a bore 52 formed in thetop surface 22 of the rail 10 and extends through the slot 90 to attachthe rail 10 to the ledge 18 at stake pockets or openings formed in thetop ledge 18 of the sidewall 16 or 17.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the anchoring meanscomprises a bracket 116 configured to seat on the flanges 34 and 36extending from the interior surface 38 of the rail 10. The bracket 116comprises a cylindrical body 118 having a planar top surface 120, abottom surface 122, and a longitudinal bore 124 extending therethrough.The bottom surface 122 of the body 118 is angled in accordance with thecurvature of the flanges 34 and 36 at the ends 30 and 32 of the rail 10so that the bracket 116 cooperatively seats on the flanges 34 and 36. Afastener 48 is inserted into the bore 52 formed in the top 22 of therail 10 and extends through the bore 124 formed in the bracket 116 tooperatively engage the ledge 18 of the truck bed 14 (FIG. 2A). Thebottom surface 122 of the bracket 116 may be knurled or include teethfor biting the surface of the flanges 34 and 36 when the fastener 48 istightened to retain the bracket 116 in the desired position.

The rail 10 may include a plurality of longitudinal slots or openings 44formed along the sides 26 and 28 of the rail 10. In the preferredembodiment, an extrusion 46 constructed of vinyl or plastic, forexample, is received within the rail 10 and positioned along the innersurface 38 at the sides 26 and 28 adjacent the plurality of slots 44such that the extrusion 46 is visible through the plurality of slots 44.

With reference to FIGS. 6C-6F, a lens cover 150 resembles a reflectortype lens. Lens 150 has a longitudinal body 152 having a lip portion 154which merges with a center portion 156. The exterior surface 158 ispreferably arcuate to match to contour of the rail 10 to which it isattached. Ears 160 have pointed prongs 162 which engage the interiorsurface 38 of the rail during use (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). The preferredlens 150 is therefore removable, but alternate embodiment may compriseglue-in lens or lens having more rigid and permanent means ofaffixation. The removable lens is preferred in order to facilitate theservicing of the bulbs 208 when the burn out. The reflector type lens ispreferred because of its inherent safety features when used inconjunction with the inventive rail system which is believed toeffectively illuminate the extent of the bed at the rear of the pick-uptruck at night or in dimly lit areas.

With reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, a plurality of clips or clipassemblies are provided for attaching a tie-down cord to the tie-downrail 10 and to prevent the tie-down cord from creeping along the lengthof the rail 10. In the preferred embodiment, the clip assembly comprisesa plate 92 having a first side 94, a second side 96, and a plurality ofspaced apart bores 98 through 104, loop means 106 and fasteners 108 forattaching the plate 92 to the rail 10. Two of the bores 98 and 100 areconfigured to receive the loop means 106, and the remaining bores 102,103 and 104 are configured to receive a fastener 108.

The loop means 106 further comprises a length of spring wire or othersuitable cord 110 having spaced apart ends 112 and 114 extending throughbores 98 and 100 from the first side 94 of the plate 92 to the secondside 96 of the plate 92 to form a loop capable of receiving a tie-downcord. The ends 112 and 114 of the wire 110 are retained adjacent thesecond side 96 of the plate by clamps 116, which are received withinbores 120 formed in the rail 10 when the plate 92 is operably attachedto the rail 10. The plate 92 is attached to the rail 10 by fasteners108, such as self-tapping screws, extending through bores 102, 103 and104 and aligned bores 116, 117 and 11 8, respectively, in the rail 10.Alternatively, the clips may simply comprise a plurality of hooks or eyebolts 120 attached to the rail 10.

With reference to FIGS. 8A-8F and 9, a wiring harness is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 200 and includes at least one socket202 having a platform portion 204 and a bulb mount 206. Bulb mount 206accommodates a bulb 208 (FIG. 8A) and electrical connections 210 (FIG.8A). Platform 204 has spaced apart legs 212 which are moderatelyflexible such that they may be deflected from their rest positions asshown to engage the interior surface of the rail preferably at theflanges 34 and 36 to suspend the bulb 208 freely within the interior 20of the rail 10 (see FIG. 9). Electrical connections may then rest freelywithin the interior 20 wherever they happen to lie after the socket 202is installed therein.

With reference to FIG. 9B, an alternate embodiment of the wiring harnessof the present invention is shown and disclosed. The socket 302 includesa platform 304 which is preferably a length or strip of flexible springsteel or similar metal. The Bulb mount 306 is attached thereto andextends upwardly therefrom. A Bulb 208 and electrical connections 210are also provided in a manner similar to that described above. Theplatform may be positioned at virtually any user selectable locationsuch as to engage the flanges 34 and 36, or the sidewall 38 as shown.This embodiment is particularly useful with steel rails that do notincorporate the flanges 34 and 36 hence the figure illustrates theflanges with dashed lines to show their optional nature with respect tothis embodiment.

In use, the socket 202 or 302 is inserted into the interior 20 of therail and the platform 204 and 304 engage the interior surface 34, 36 or38 of the rail. With respect to the platform 304, the spring steel isflexed from its rest state and is inserted into the rail. Afterinsertion, the spring steel; having a shape memory tries to resume itsrest position causing it to apply pressure to the interior surfaces 32,34, and/or 36 enabling it to be relatively secured and stationary.

With regard to the platform 204. The spaced apart legs 212 have flangeengaging hooks 214 with cutouts 216. The legs 212 are flexed away fromthe flanges 34 and 36 prior to installation. After installation, thetendency of the legs 212 to resume their rest positions as shown inFIGS. 8A-8F causes them to bias against the flanges 34 and 36 and securethe socket 204 in a relatively secure stationary position within therail 10.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tie-down rail for a truck bed including spacedapart sidewalls each having a top ledge, comprising:an elongated unitarytubular body having spaced apart ends, a top, a bottom, a hollowinterior, an interior surface, a substantially linear portion which isparallel to a longitudinal axis, an intermediate portion extending fromand merging with the substantially linear portion, and an angularportion merging with and extending from the intermediate portion to forman angle with the longitudinal axis; the linear portion has a firstouter cross-sectional profile, the intermediate portion has a secondouter cross-sectional profile, and the angular portion has a third outercross-sectional profile, such that the first outer cross-sectionalprofile and second outer cross-sectional profile and third outercross-sectional profile are substantially identical; at least oneaperture formed in the tubular body; lighting means for illuminating theinterior of the body and enabling light to pass from the interior oftubular body through the at least one aperture; andwherein the lightingmeans further includes a wiring harness having a platform portionconfigured for flexible engagement with the interior surface of the bodyto securely attach the lighting means within the hollow interior.
 2. Thetie-down rail of claim 1, further comprising:said interior surface ofsaid body having inwardly projecting opposing flanges extendingtherefrom.
 3. The tie-down rail of claim 1, further comprising:saidinterior surface of said body having a reinforcing rib positionedthereon.
 4. The tie-down rail of claim 1, such that:the body iscomprised of a metal material selected from the group of metal materialsconsisting of steel, aluminum, steel alloys, and aluminum alloys.
 5. Thetie-down rail of claim 1, further comprising:at least one lens to coverthe at least one aperture.
 6. The tie-down rail of claim 5, suchthat:the lens is configured to frictionally engage the body of the railduring use.
 7. The tie-down rail of claim 5, wherein:the lens is asafety reflector.
 8. The tie-down rail of claim 1, such that thelighting means further comprises:socket means for receiving at least oneilluminatable bulb and illuminating said bulb.
 9. The tie down rail ofclaim 1, such that the lighting means further comprises:said wiringharness having at least one electrical socket configured for receivingan illuminatable bulb, and an illuminatable bulb operably connected tothe at least one electrical socket;wherein the wiring harness supplieselectrical energy from a source thereof to the at least one socket forilluminating the bulb.
 10. The tie-down rail of claim 8, such that thesocket means further comprises:said wiring harness having a plurality ofelectrical sockets configured to receive an illuminatable bulb andcapable of supplying electrical energy from a source thereof to theplurality of electrical sockets to illuminate the bulb.
 11. The tie-downrail of claim 8, wherein:the socket means is configured for engagementwith the interior of the body.
 12. The tie-down rail of claim 10,wherein:at least one of the plurality of electrical sockets isconfigured for engagement with the interior of the body.
 13. A tie-downrail for a truck bed including spaced apart sidewalls each having a topledge, comprising:an elongated tubular body having a substantiallylinear portion which is parallel to a longitudinal axis, an intermediateportion extending from and merging with the substantially linearportion, and an angular portion having spaced apart ends wherein one ofthe spaced apart ends merges with and extends from the intermediateportion to form an angle with the longitudinal axis; the linear portionhas a first outer cross-sectional profile, the intermediate portion hasa second outer cross-sectional profile, and the angular portion has athird outer cross-sectional profile, such that the first outercross-sectional profile and second outer cross-sectional profile andthird outer cross-sectional profile are substantially identical;thesecond outer cross-sectional profile includes an external arcuateportion which merges with a planar portion to form a continuous externalwall; and an inside surface of the planar portion and an outside surfaceof the planar portion wherein the outside surface has a greater widththan the inside surface portion.
 14. The tie-down rail of claim 13further comprising:a juncture between the arcuate portion and the planarportion comprising a pair of spaced apart edges.
 15. The tie-down railof claim 14, such that the pair of spaced apart edges furthercomprises:a pair of spaced apart parallel edges.
 16. The tie-down railof claim 13, such that:a line drawn tangent to the arcuate portionalways forms an angle with a plane parallel with the planar portion. 17.The tie-down rail of claim 13, further comprising:an interior surface ofthe arcuate portion having inwardly projecting opposing flangesextending therefrom.
 18. The tie-down rail of claim 13, furthercomprising:an interior surface of the arcuate portion having areinforcing rib positioned opposite the inside surface of the planarportion.